On Renfrew Street, just above Sauchiehall Street in Glasgow city centre, the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland teaches music, drama, dance, film and production under one roof. That mix is unusual among UK conservatoires, and students work across disciplines on shows and concerts. Its roots go back to 1847, and it took its current name in 2011. Actors James McAvoy and David Tennant both trained here.
Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom
Official website: rcs.ac.uk
1847
Since 2011
Music, drama, dance, film and production
Renfrew Street, Glasgow
£21,000 – £27,000
International students, undergraduate and postgraduate courses
£11,000 – £14,000
Rent, food and local transport
Approximate figures for 2026-27, please verify. Fees change every year and vary by course, so check the latest amount on rcs.ac.uk before you apply.
BMus Performance
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
Audition; IELTS: 6.0
BA Acting
Bachelors DegreeDuration
36 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
Audition; IELTS: 6.0
BA Musical Theatre
Bachelors DegreeDuration
36 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
Audition; IELTS: 6.0
BA Modern Ballet
Bachelors DegreeDuration
36 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
Audition; IELTS: 6.0
MMus Performance
Masters DegreeDuration
12-24 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
Audition; IELTS: 6.5
Music, drama, dance, film and production taught in one building.
Alumni including James McAvoy and David Tennant.
Glasgow's concert halls and theatres a short walk away.
Graduates perform with orchestras and theatre companies and on screen across the UK.
Production graduates work backstage in theatre, television and live events.
Graduates can stay in the UK on the Graduate visa after their course.
Undergrad
Oct (music), Jan (drama)
Postgrad
Varies by course
The Conservatoire is on Renfrew Street, close to the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall and the Theatre Royal. Queen Street and Central stations are a short walk away.
Glasgow is Scotland's largest city, with a big live music scene that runs from the Barrowland to King Tut's Wah Wah Hut. Rent is well below London's, though it has climbed.
CAS from Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
Proof of funds for fees and living costs
English test at B2 level or above
TB test certificate, if required
Immigration Health Surcharge payment
Valid passport with blank pages
Most applications go through UCAS Conservatoires. Music courses usually close in early October and drama, dance and production in January, for September entry. Auditions and interviews follow the deadline.
Courses start in September.
The Student route visa. Your CAS comes from Royal Conservatoire of Scotland after you meet your offer conditions and pay the deposit; the online application needs proof of funds, your English result and the health surcharge.
Music performance, acting, musical theatre, modern ballet and the MMus are popular. Admission depends mainly on audition or interview, plus IELTS 6.0 for most undergraduate courses and 6.5 for postgraduate study.
The Conservatoire awards scholarships based on talent and need, and international students can apply. Most awards cover part of tuition.
